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Personnel and Finance Committee <br />September 18, 2006 <br />Page 2 <br />voluminous amount of documents and research which will be asked of the <br />Council. <br />Council Member Puzzello stated that she supports the paralegal concept and the <br />other adjustments since those items have not been properly adjusted for a long <br />time. The Council needs to be prepared and be able to ga to classes and <br />conferences in order to be properly informed. <br />Council Member Dieter stated that the election expense line-item has to be <br />subject to much more detail being provided by the County, noting that he and the <br />Council Attorney have attempted to clarify past election expenditures with limited <br />success. <br />City Controller Fanello noted that she has had the same results but agrees that <br />more detailed information is needed from the Council Auditor before payment <br />would be made from this line-item, <br />Dr. Varner stated that over the years the need for more information has <br />increased resulting in more time that is necessary for such research. He has <br />always seen the need for an independent consultant . Dr. Vamer added that <br />having the funds to use in this regard would be reassuring and a diligent way to <br />use such funds properly. When budgetary concerns are raised, the Council <br />would have a mechanism available, noting that "the Council is running our <br />Council Attorney to death". <br />Council Member Pfeifer stated that she does not support hiring an individual and <br />would prefer a firm. She would consider having dollars available so that <br />professional, unbiased and independent work would be done by having such <br />financial resources. <br />Council Member Puzzello voiced concern that you could not get someone who <br />specialized in municipal law who worked for $15 an hour. <br />Council Member Kirists stated that having cash in reserve for legal advice may <br />be worthwhile, however he voiced concern that the Council Members are getting <br />a base salary increase when the non-bargaining employees are not. He <br />suggested keeping the legal funds if additional professional help is needed. <br />Council Member Kuspa noted that he has similar concerns as Council Member <br />White and Kirsits with regard to the Council receiving base salary increases while <br />the non-bargaining employees will not. He would support additional funding if the <br />